Worker and Master Meet in Council

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 252, 14 January 1928, Page 7

Worker and Master Meet in Council

ALTERNATE CHAIRMEN ELECTED PEACE IN INDUSTRY By Cable. —Press Association.^—Copyright. RUGBY, Friday. At yesterday's conference on industrial co-operation, on the proposal of Mr. Ben Turner, leader of the Trades Unions Council. Sir Alfred Mond, of the employers’ group, occupied the chair, it being ■arranged that Mr. Turner should preside at the next meeting, and that the chair should be occupied subsequently by Sir Alfred Mond and Mr. Turner alternatively. Mr. Turner described the employers’ proposals as exceedingly comprehensive, and said that the trade unions would accept them with unanimity. The conference is being held at Burlington House, Piccadilly. Sir Alfred Mond, M.P., in his address, said the employers did not represent their respective organisations, but were acting in an individual capacity. They realised the aspirations and the position of their co-partners in industry who were working in factory or railway or shop. They did not desire to destroy trades unions. In out lining their problems he said it was essential to examine the better organisation of industries by means of amalgamation and nationalisation. RAISING WORKERS’ STATUS The introduction of new processes and new technical administrative methods involved the question of compensation and pensioning displaced workers. Other questions were how to improve the workers’ status and obtain security and how to abolish the conventional idea that a factory worker was less Important than an office worker. Social questions requiring consideration included housing, health, unemployment and insurance schemes, and industrial education. There was also the question of the effect of the methods of taxation and how to ensure the workers’ interest in industrial prosperity, apart from wages. FREEDOM FROM DISPUTES Another point was the creation of •a standing committee for periodical consultation in industrial matters. Such an investigation would be prolonged. The problems, although complex, did not represent insuperable difficulties. They could not expect to create a new heaven on earth. If they ensured freedom from industrial disputes, and a commonsense and humane treatment of their problems they would place Britain, which had always been the leader in such matters, in the forefront. Sir Alfred said the employers had formed a committee to facilitate the work, with himself as chairman. The members included the Marquess of Londonderry, Lord Ashfield, Lord Weir, and also Colonel Vernon Willey, a director of Lloyd’s Bank. FRANKNESS and goodwill The chairman of the Trades Unions Congress, Mr. Ben Turner, in replying, pointed out that neither side was able to implement the proposals, but the Trades Unions Congress claimed a certain moral authority. It could convene national congresses, to which proposals could be submitted. The Trades Unions Council would appoint a committee to meet the employer^. A general discussion followed, after which the conference was adjourned. An unofficial report says both sides are certain beneficial results will be the outcome of the proceedings, which were characterised by fankness, goodwill and harmony. MR. COOK ON WARPATH Mr. A. J. Cook, the miners' leader, struck the only jarring note, in an impassioned speech, in which he shouted and thumped the table. The members of -the conference listened quietly and ignored his outburst, except one employer. Mr. Cook came out from the conference shouting, “The whole thing is an absolute farce. I say co-operation and goodwill are impossible while the workers are victimised.” The Secretary of the Trades Unions Congress, Mr. W. M. Citrine, deprecates the issue of separate statements regarding the conference, and denies Mr- Cook’s allegations that trade unionists disgracefully attacked him. —A. and N.Z.-Sun.